Degree Apprentice Review
at Geometric Manufacturing LTD
Degree Apprenticeship
Engineering, Manufacturing
Tewkesbury
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
3.5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
3/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
The job involves different rotations within a CNC manufacturing cycle. Most of the first and second year consist of learning to operate and set CNC machines, then there are also rotations in CNC programming, inspection, finishing and admin. By the end of the apprenticeship we are expected to have a thorough understanding of the manufacturing process.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
It is enjoyable to be able to learn new skills in manufacturing and have opportunities to explore different areas of the business. Although there have been occasional periods where the work has been slower, the experience has ultimately been a positive one. The university course has also been interesting, with a quite broad overview of engineering and engineering management, while also having some specific theory on manufacturing which provides interesting insights into the work.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I had no prior experience in manufacturing and now feel very proficient and confident in my knowledge and understanding of the business and its processes. I have also greatly developed my ability to work in a team and communicate, as well as manage my time. I have had opportunity through work-based university projects to gain a better understanding of project management and technical theory.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
For the most part it is well structured, with rotations generally planned in advance and changeovers being fairly smooth. It has felt at times that the university course has not been fully integrated into our work, with our projects not always being able to reach the potential that they could if management engaged more with them. This has improved somewhat in recent months, however.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
On the work side, the support is very good, with mentors being provided to us and a very good culture of developing apprentices' skills. I have felt that there should be more support with our university work and projects, as the projects are often left for us to complete without assistance which may be required to maximise their potential.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
There is interesting information on manufacturing through our course that provides context to the work and our process. I think the most interesting thing is that the course provides the opportunity to view the business from a different perspective to many others, with topics like project management and continuous improvement being prevalent throughout.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
2/5
There are occasional socials but not so much else. There is however a good culture among the apprentices of being active and social outside work
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Geometric Manufacturing LTD to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is a good place to work and to learn, with a good culture of assisting apprentices in their development. It provides the opportunity to learn very interesting technical skills, and to contribute to your own professional development. You get the opportunity to work closely with managers, and there is a great group of apprentices who support each other.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Geometric Manufacturing LTD?
You have to be prepared for quite a slow start as the company build trust in you and you learn the basic skills needed to operate the machines. This time can be used positively though, to better understand the process and to integrate into the business with a great group of staff who are easy to get on with and learn from.
Manufacturing engineer degree apprentice
at Geometric Manufacturing LTD
- Degree Apprenticeship
- Tewkesbury
-
3.8
